The Billionaire's Heir I Never Knew Was Mine

Chapter 148: The Kiss

"Yes," Sienna answered quickly. Then she nodded repeatedly, worried he might not hear her. "Yes. Yes. I do. I accept."

She could see happiness radiate across Zachary’s face instantly. His smile widened, and he looked genuinely joyful, as if a heavy burden had suddenly been lifted off his shoulders.

Then, Zachary took the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger.

The sight made everything feel even more real... She was engaged to Zachary Sterling.

And everything happened so quickly afterward.

The moment he rose to his feet, Sienna found herself pulled into his arms. His embrace was strong, warm, and protective. She leaned her head against his chest and heard how loud his heartbeat was, just like hers.

Slowly, Sienna wrapped her arms around him in return, holding him tightly as if she never wanted to let go.

For several moments, neither of them spoke. They simply stood there holding each other.

Then Zachary lowered his head slightly and whispered near her ear.

"Sienna, thank you..."

His voice was low and filled with emotion.

And at that moment, with tears still lingering in her eyes and happiness filling every corner of her heart, Sienna knew she would never forget this night for the rest of her life.

A few moments later—

Zachary slowly released her from his embrace, though he kept one hand resting gently on her shoulder. His eyes remained fixed on her face as if he wanted to memorize every expression she made.

A soft smile lingered on his lips while he carefully wiped away the remaining tears on her cheeks with his thumb.

"Is my proposal really that sad?" he asked lightly. "Sad enough to make you cry this much?"

A small laugh escaped Sienna despite the tears still clinging to her lashes.

She shook her head. "No. I’m just touched and still shocked."

Her gaze dropped briefly to the diamond ring now resting on her finger before she looked back at him.

A proud smile slowly spread across his face, one filled with genuine happiness. There was something almost boyish about it, despite the man’s usual calm and mature attitudes. It was the smile of someone who had finally gotten something he truly longed for.

Then, without warning, he leaned slightly closer. The distance between them disappeared little by little until she could feel the warmth of his breath.

Yet Zachary stopped. His eyes searched hers.

"May I?" he asked quietly.

The simple question melted her heart. He could have kissed her without asking. Instead, he gave her a choice.

Sienna knew exactly what he wanted. And without her knowing, her cheeks warmed. Then she nodded.

That was all the permission Zachary needed.

His hand softly reached for her cheek as their lips gently touched. The kiss was tender, slow, and full of patience. There was no hurry or rush—just pure affection. It felt more like a comforting promise than a passionate declaration.

When their lips barely parted, Zachary briefly rested his forehead against hers.

"Sienna, I apologize if my proposal isn’t as romantic as others’ might be. However, I assure you, I will arrange a proper wedding ceremony...the kind you’ll remember for a lifetime."

Zachary’s words made her smile, but almost immediately another thought entered her mind—her father.

Her smile slowly faded. The worry that had been buried beneath her happiness slowly returned.

Zachary noticed it right away. His brows furrowed as he asked, "Sienna, what’s wrong? Is something bothering you...?"

Sienna hesitated to voice her concern.

He placed his hands on her shoulders while his eyes searched for a clue in hers.

But instead of answering him right away, Sienna gently took his hand, led him to the sofa, and sat beside him.

"I’m worried about my father," she admitted, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. "He is an old man with unpleasant, even toxic, behavior."

And then, she looked up to meet his eyes.

"Zach, did you remember when we first met?"

He nods.

"My dad is a gambler and drunkard with many debts. He... even tried to sell me to the gangster."

Once again, Sienna hesitated, ashamed to reveal how toxic her father truly was. However, she didn’t want to lie to him because he deserved to know the truth.

"If we get married, his bad attitude and troubled lifestyle could cause issues in your life. Most concerning to me is whether your parents will accept that."

"Stop worrying about your problematic father or family. I know how to deal with them."

Zachary didn’t hesitate to answer, even for a second. Still, worry lingers in her eyes.

"Sienna, I’m marrying you, not your family," he said firmly. "As for my family, they’ve practically given up asking me to get married. They’ll probably be grateful I’m finally doing it."

Hearing his confident promise eased the tension in her chest a little. A warm smile appeared on her face.

"Zach, thank you. I truly like your proposal," she said softly. "But I don’t want an extravagant wedding... I simply want a simple wedding with just close family and friends to witness. I hope you don’t mind..."

Zachary immediately took her hand and gently squeezed it.

"Sure," he said. "I’ll follow what you wish for." There wasn’t a trace of disappointment in his voice. Only sincerity.

Their conversation naturally shifted toward wedding plans and marriage arrangements.

The future that suddenly felt much closer than either of them had expected.

Then Zachary casually said something that nearly made Sienna choke on her own breath.

"You should move into my house."

She stared at him, completely stunned. That suggestion had arrived much faster than she had anticipated.

Her gaze drifted to their linked hands as she tried to picture living with him under the same roof.

Then she remembered Skylar. Almost immediately, she looked up again and met Zachary’s gaze.

"How about Sky?" she asked. "Have you told him about us?"

Zachary shook his head.

"No."

Then he smiled.

"But I will tell him the first chance I get."

As if sensing her concern, he continued. "Don’t worry about him. He’ll probably be the happiest person in the house if he knows we’re getting married."

Sienna blinked. "Really?"

"Hm. Skylar has been constantly asking me to make you stay with us."

Her eyes widened, then a laugh escaped her lips.

"I feel relieved—"